The Agreste Internship - Book 2

Chapter 22: A Fairytale Ending?

*****Right Before the Akuma Attack*****

"Rose!" Julika called out after getting out of the purple car her brother bought her and then ran over to Rose's window. The sky had started to turn a shade of crimson red and Nadja Chamack reported numerous end-of-the-world conspiracy theories. Julika knew it sounded crazy, but she had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. But if the world was ending Julika wasn't going to let it end without telling Rose how much she means to her. She finally gathered up the courage and she continued to shout through Rose's open window. "Rose! I need to talk with you!"

Rose saw Julika and then smiled. A moment later she came down, opened the door, and let her inside. They quickly rushed past Rose's parents and darted to her room. The room was covered top to bottom in pink and was covered in Kitty Section posters, plushies, and had a fairytale princess canopy bed. They both sat on it and Rose gave her full attention to her friend. "What is it, Julika?"

"I've got to tell you something," Julika said, her voice suddenly becoming dry. "I haven't had the courage to tell you, but I need to tell you now. I broke up with Max."

"Oh no!" Rose covered her mouth and her eyes widened. "Didn't he just have an accident? He must be heartbroken."

Julika shook her head and then took a deep breath. "Rose, it was mutual. He wanted me to break up with him... because he realized it before I did. I'm gay." Rose got quiet and she looked away. She got up from the bed, went to her desk, and got out a letter. She held it quietly in her hands as Julika stood up, walked over to her, and then stood right behind her. "Are you going to say anything, Rose?"

"What do you want me to say?" She asked, a slight quiver in her voice. She still stood with her back to Julika, not facing her.

Julika looked away, her heart sinking. Why is this so hard? What would happen if Rose didn't feel the same way? But the biggest question was could she live with herself if she told her and then Rose rejected her? Or worse could she live with herself if she never took the chance in the first place. With that in mind, Julika spoke quietly. "Rose. I like you."

"I like you too," Rose said softly.

"I mean... I like, like you."

Rose didn't answer and just stood there as if she were lost in thought.

Julika knew she had to be clear, clearer than she had ever been in her life. She put her hand on Rose's shoulder and tried to gather the courage for the words that she needed to say. When she finally found her voice she spoke up, clear enough for the world to hear her. "Rose, I love you. Not just like a friend kind of love. True love."

Tears welled up in Rose's eyes as she clutched the letter in her hands. The name 'Ali' was written on it. "You know Prince Ali is the one for me."

"Your pen pal? I've never heard you talk about him. And every time you are with him it's clear as day that you are just friends. Why do you think he is the one?" Julika tried to keep her voice steady, but she was close to breaking down into tears. "Is it because he can make you a princess? Rose, be with me and I'll make you my princess."

Rose turned around quickly to face Julika. Tears started to fall freely down her face and her shoulders started to shake as she sobbed. "I can't... my parents... You know I can't." Her parents were conservative and would not approve if they ever found out.

"I'll be there for you. I promise you if you want to be with me..." Julika reached out for Rose but she pulled away.

"It's easy for you to say. Your mother will love you no matter who you love. But my parents... I don't even know what they will say. I could lose them both on the same day... I can't..." Rose backed away until she got to the wall next to the window. Both of them had been so focused on each other that neither one of them noticed that an Akuma had flown in. At that moment the dark butterfly flew into the letter and a neon mask appeared in front of Rose, but no one stood on the other side.